Poker Glossary

“Baby” is a slang term used to describe a low-ranking card, particularly a low-ranking pair. For example, a pair of twos might be referred to as “babies.”

The term “baby” is also sometimes used to refer to a small bet, particularly in games with high betting limits. In this context, a “baby bet” might refer to the minimum bet or a bet that is smaller than the other bets on the table.

In poker, a “backdoor” is a type of draw that requires two consecutive cards to complete. Specifically, a backdoor draw occurs when a player has only a small chance of making a hand after the flop or turn, but could potentially make a hand if the next two cards are favorable.

For example, suppose a player has a 4 and 7 of diamonds in Texas Hold’em, and the flop comes 2 of diamonds, 9 of spades, and 5 of clubs. The player does not currently have a strong hand, but if the turn and river are both diamonds, they would complete a flush, which is a strong hand. In this case, the player has a backdoor flush draw.

Backdoor draws are generally considered to be less valuable than direct draws, which only require one card to complete. However, they can still be useful in certain situations, particularly in games with multiple betting rounds or when facing opponents who are unlikely to have strong hands.

“Back into” is a term used to describe a situation where a player unexpectedly makes a strong hand after initially having a weak or marginal hand. Specifically, a player might “back into” a hand if they improve their hand on the turn or river cards, or if they make a hand that they did not intend to make.

For example, suppose a player has a 9 and 10 of hearts in Texas Hold’em, and the flop comes 2 of spades, 7 of hearts, and king of clubs. The player does not currently have a strong hand, but if the turn and river are both hearts, they would complete a flush, which is a strong hand. If the player manages to make a flush on the turn or river, they would be said to have “backed into” the hand.

Similarly, a player might “back into” a hand if they were originally drawing to a straight or flush, but instead make a full house or other strong hand.

In poker, a “backraise” is a type of play where a player raises after initially calling a bet on the same betting round. Specifically, a backraise occurs when a player calls an opponent’s bet, and then raises when it is their turn to act again.

Backraises are often used as a way to increase the pot size and put pressure on opponents. They can also be used as a bluffing strategy to make it appear as though a player has a stronger hand than they actually do.

For example, suppose a player has a pair of queens in Texas Hold’em, and their opponent bets $10. The player might decide to call the $10 bet, and then backraise by raising to $30 when it is their turn to act. This would put pressure on the opponent and make it more difficult for them to continue in the hand, particularly if they have a weaker hand.

“Bad Beat” is a term used to describe a situation where a player loses a hand that they were favored to win, usually because of an unlikely turn of events. Specifically, a bad beat occurs when a player with a strong hand loses to an opponent who made a weaker hand by catching one or more lucky cards.

For example, suppose a player has a pair of aces in Texas Hold’em, and their opponent has a pair of 2s. The flop comes 2 of hearts, 5 of spades, and ace of diamonds, giving the player with aces a set (three of a kind). The turn is a 7 of clubs, which does not change the situation. However, the river card is a 2 of diamonds, giving the opponent a full house (three of a kind, twos, and a pair of fives), and beating the player with aces. This would be considered a bad beat for the player with aces.

In poker, “balance” refers to a strategy of playing a range of hands in a way that is difficult for opponents to predict. Specifically, a balanced strategy involves mixing up the types of hands that a player plays and the way in which they play them, in order to make it more difficult for opponents to read their playing style and gain an advantage.

For example, suppose a player is playing Texas Hold’em and is dealt two cards: 10 of diamonds and 9 of clubs. The player could decide to fold, call the initial bet, or raise the bet, depending on various factors such as their position at the table, the playing styles of their opponents, and the strength of their hand. A balanced strategy would involve mixing up these decisions so that opponents are unable to predict what the player will do based on their previous actions.

Balancing can also refer to the way in which a player sizes their bets and raises. A balanced betting strategy involves varying the size of bets and raises in a way that is not predictable, in order to make it more difficult for opponents to read the strength of a player’s hand based on their betting patterns.

In poker, “bankroll” refers to the amount of money a player sets aside specifically for playing poker. The bankroll is the total amount of money that a player has available to play with, and it is typically considered separately from the player’s other finances.

Having a sufficient bankroll is important for poker players, as it allows them to manage the ups and downs of the game and avoid going broke. A bankroll that is too small can lead to players being forced to play at lower stakes than they are capable of, while a bankroll that is too large can lead to complacency and poor decision-making.

The size of a player’s bankroll will depend on a variety of factors, including their skill level, the stakes they typically play at, and the amount of risk they are comfortable with. In general, it is recommended that players have a bankroll that is at least 20 times the maximum buy-in for the games they play, although this can vary depending on individual circumstances.

“Bankroll management” refers to the practice of managing one’s poker bankroll in a way that maximizes the chances of long-term success. This involves setting aside a specific amount of money for playing poker and then using that money in a strategic and disciplined way.

Good bankroll management involves several key principles. First, players should set aside an amount of money specifically for playing poker and not use it for other expenses. Second, players should only play at stakes that are appropriate for their bankroll, which helps to minimize the risk of going broke. For example, a player with a $1000 bankroll might only play at tables where the maximum buy-in is $50, which is 20 times their buy-in.

Third, players should also adjust the size of their bets and the number of tables they play based on their bankroll. If a player is on a downswing and their bankroll is shrinking, they may choose to play at fewer tables or make smaller bets until they are back on track.

Finally, good bankroll management involves maintaining a disciplined approach to playing poker. This means not playing above one’s skill level, avoiding tilt (emotional or irrational play), and not making impulsive decisions based on short-term results.

In poker, “behind” refers to a player’s position relative to the other players in a hand. Specifically, it refers to a player who is currently losing in the hand and needs to improve in order to win.

For example, if a player has a pair of jacks and another player has a pair of queens, the player with jacks is currently behind, since they have a weaker hand. However, if a jack comes on the turn or river, the player with jacks will have improved their hand and moved ahead of their opponent.

The term “behind” can also be used to describe a player’s position in a hand relative to the betting action. For example, if a player has not yet acted in a betting round and there are already bets and raises in front of them, they are said to be “behind” in the betting. In this case, they may choose to fold, call, or raise in order to catch up and get back in the action.

In poker, a “bet” refers to an action in which a player puts chips or money into the pot in order to make a wager on the outcome of the hand. Betting is one of the primary actions in poker and is a crucial part of the game.

There are several types of bets in poker, including:

1. Ante – A small mandatory bet that all players at the table must make before the start of a hand.
2. Blind – A mandatory bet that is made by the two players to the left of the dealer button before any cards are dealt. The player to the immediate left of the dealer button posts the small blind, while the player to their left posts the big blind.
3. Opening bet – The first bet made in a betting round. The player who makes the opening bet is said to have “opened” the betting.
4. Call – Matching the previous bet made by another player in the same round.
5. Raise – Increasing the previous bet made by another player in the same round.
6. Check – Declining to bet when no previous bets have been made in the same round.

Betting is a key strategy in poker, as players use their bets to try and gain information about their opponents’ hands, manipulate the pot odds, and ultimately win the hand. Understanding the different types of bets and how to use them effectively is essential for success in poker.

In poker, the term “air” is used to describe a hand that has no value or potential to win the pot. This typically refers to a hand that doesn’t even have a pair, and may consist of random or unconnected cards.

When a player has “air,” it means that they have no realistic chance of winning the hand unless their opponents fold. Playing air can be risky, as it often involves bluffing or attempting to represent a stronger hand than what the player actually has.

For example, if a player has 7-2 offsuit (a weak hand) and the community cards are 9-8-4-2-K, they have “air” because they don’t even have a pair. If they decide to bet or raise, it’s likely an attempt to bluff their opponents into folding, rather than a genuine attempt to win the pot with the strength of their hand.

Overall, the term “air” is used to describe a hand with no value or potential to win the pot, and is often associated with risky bluffing strategies.

“Big Blind Special” refers to a situation where the player who is in the big blind position wins the pot after flopping a strong hand. This term is often used to describe a situation where the player in the big blind is dealt a good starting hand, such as pocket aces or kings, and then proceeds to win the pot after the flop is dealt.

The reason why this situation is called a “big blind special” is because the big blind is a forced bet that players are required to make at the start of a hand. Since the big blind is already in the pot, they have the option to check or raise if no one has opened the pot. This can be advantageous if the big blind is dealt a strong hand and is able to make a big score.

While a big blind special can be a profitable situation for the player in that position, it is important to remember that it is still a rare occurrence and should not be relied on as a consistent strategy. Good players are able to win pots from any position at the table and do not rely solely on being dealt a strong hand while in the big blind.

“Big Blind” is a mandatory bet that is made by the player who is two seats to the left of the dealer button. The big blind is typically twice the size of the small blind, which is made by the player to the immediate left of the dealer button.

The purpose of the big blind is to create a pot for players to compete for right from the start of the hand. The player in the big blind position is required to put in this bet before the hand begins, even if they have not been dealt any cards yet.

After the big blind is posted, the other players at the table have the option to call the big blind, raise it, or fold their hand. The player in the big blind, like all other players, has the option to check or raise if no one else has raised before the action gets back to them.

The big blind position rotates around the table after each hand, so each player takes turns being in this position. Understanding how to play from the big blind position is an important part of any player’s strategy, as it requires different tactics than playing from other positions at the table.

In poker, the term “big stack” refers to a player who has a relatively large amount of chips in front of them compared to the rest of the players at the table. This can give the big stack player an advantage in that they can use their larger stack to pressure their opponents and potentially win more pots.

Having a big stack is especially important in tournaments, where the blinds and antes increase over time and players need to accumulate chips in order to survive. A big stack can provide a player with more opportunities to play aggressively and potentially win big pots.

However, being the big stack also comes with added pressure and responsibility. Other players may target the big stack player and try to take chips away from them, so the big stack player must be able to make good decisions and avoid unnecessary risks.

Ultimately, the size of a player’s stack is constantly changing in poker, and a big stack is only as valuable as the skill and strategy that the player is able to employ with it.

In poker, the term “blank” refers to a card that does not significantly affect the strength of a player’s hand or the potential strength of their opponent’s hand. A blank is a card that is not connected to the other cards on the board, and does not complete any potential draws or make any obvious strong hands.

For example, if the flop comes with three cards that are all below a player’s pocket pair, and the turn card is a blank, that card is not likely to have changed the strength of the player’s hand or provided any significant information about their opponent’s hand.

Similarly, a blank can refer to a card that does not complete any potential draws, such as a turn card that brings a third card of a suit to the board, but does not complete a flush draw.

In some situations, a player may choose to bluff on a blank card, as it is less likely to have helped their opponent’s hand. However, players must also be careful not to overvalue a blank card and make risky or unnecessary bets based on its lack of significance.

In poker, the term “bleed” generally refers to losing chips or money at a steady rate over time. It can also refer to making small, steady bets that slowly but consistently drain an opponent’s stack.

For example, a player might be said to be “bleeding chips” if they are consistently losing small amounts of chips on multiple hands, even if they are not necessarily losing big pots. Similarly, a player who is “bleeding out” may be losing chips at such a rate that they will soon be eliminated from the game.

Bleeding can also refer to a player who is making small bets or raises in order to slowly chip away at an opponent’s stack, rather than trying to win a large pot all at once. This can be an effective strategy if used correctly, as it can force opponents to make tough decisions and can build a player’s stack over time.

However, players must also be careful not to bleed too much or too quickly, as this can leave them vulnerable to larger bets or bluffs from opponents. Good bankroll management and an awareness of the overall game situation are important for avoiding excessive bleeding and maintaining a strong position at the table.

In poker, a blind is a forced bet that is placed before any cards are dealt. The two players to the left of the dealer button are usually required to post blinds, which creates a pot for players to compete for.

There are typically two types of blinds in poker: the small blind and the big blind. The small blind is usually half the size of the big blind, and both are determined by the stakes of the game. For example, in a $1/$2 game, the small blind might be $1 and the big blind might be $2.

The player to the left of the dealer button posts the small blind, and the player to their left posts the big blind. This creates an initial pot for the players to compete for, and ensures that there is always some money at stake in each hand.

Players are required to post blinds in order to keep the game moving and to prevent players from sitting out and waiting for good hands. Blinds also add an element of strategy to the game, as players must decide whether to play aggressively or conservatively based on their position and the size of the blinds.

In poker, blind defense refers to a strategy used by players who are in the small blind or big blind position and are facing a raise from a player in a later position. The goal of blind defense is to prevent the opponent from stealing the blinds by calling or re-raising their raise.

Blind defense can be a challenging strategy, as players in the blinds are typically out of position and have weaker hands than the player raising. However, it is important for players in the blinds to defend their blinds to avoid losing chips over time.

Blind defense can take many forms, such as calling with a wider range of hands to see a flop, or re-raising with strong hands to put pressure on the raiser. The specific strategy used will depend on the situation, such as the strength of the player’s hand, the size of the raise, and the position of the players involved.

In poker, a blind steal refers to a strategy where a player attempts to win the blinds (the forced bets in the form of the small blind and big blind) by raising pre-flop when they are in late position and the players in the small blind and big blind positions have weak hands or are likely to fold.

A blind steal can be an effective strategy to accumulate chips without having to see a flop, particularly in tournament play where the blinds increase over time and can become a significant portion of a player’s stack. It is also a way to take advantage of tight or passive players who are reluctant to defend their blinds with marginal hands.

The success of a blind steal will depend on a variety of factors, including the strength of the player’s hand, the position of the players at the table, and the tendencies of the opponents. If the players in the blinds suspect a blind steal, they may choose to defend their blinds by calling or re-raising, which can create a more complex situation for the player attempting the steal.

Overall, a blind steal is a valuable tool for any poker player’s arsenal, but it should be used with caution and adapted to the specific dynamics of the table.

In poker, a blocker refers to a card that a player holds that reduces the likelihood of their opponents having certain strong hands. For example, if a player holds the ace of spades in their hand, it reduces the likelihood of their opponents having a flush draw that includes the ace of spades. Blockers can be particularly valuable in games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha where players share community cards, as they can be used to narrow down the range of hands that opponents may be holding. By holding a blocker to a strong hand, a player can make it less likely that their opponent has that hand and can make more informed decisions based on their opponent’s possible ranges. In addition to reducing the likelihood of strong hands, blockers can also be used to bluff or represent certain hands. For example, if a player holds the king of hearts and the board shows two hearts, they may bluff by representing that they have a flush draw, even if they do not actually have one.

In poker, “blind off” or “blinded” refers to the process of a player losing their blinds due to sitting out or not having enough chips to cover the blind amount.

In games with blinds, such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha, each player is required to post a small blind and a big blind before the hand is dealt. These forced bets ensure there is always money in the pot and encourage action. If a player is unable to post their blind due to not having enough chips or not being present at the table, they will eventually “blind off” and lose their chips to the blinds. This process continues until the player returns or runs out of chips completely and is eliminated from the game.

The blind off process is important to keep the game moving and prevent players from stalling. It also adds an element of pressure to players with smaller stacks who must play more aggressively to avoid blinding off. It is therefore important for players to manage their chips effectively and avoid blinding off too quickly.

Is a small bet made on the river, usually by the player out of position, with the intention of preventing the opponent from making a larger bet or bluff.

The blocking bet is typically made when the player believes they have a weak hand, but still want to see a showdown. By making a small bet, the player hopes to convince their opponent to make a similar small bet or call, rather than a larger bet or raise. This can help the player save money by avoiding a larger bet, or win the pot by inducing their opponent to fold a better hand.

For example, suppose a player has a weak pair on the river and faces a large bet from their opponent. Instead of calling the bet or folding, the player may decide to make a blocking bet of a small amount to prevent their opponent from making a larger bet or bluff. If the opponent does not have a strong hand, they may decide to call the blocking bet rather than making a larger bet or raise, allowing the player to win the pot.

In poker, a “bluff” is a bet or raise made with a weak hand or with no hand at all, with the intention of convincing opponents that you have a stronger hand than you actually do. The goal of a bluff is to get your opponents to fold their better hands, allowing you to win the pot without having to show your cards.

Bluffing is an important part of poker strategy and can be used in a variety of situations. For example, a player may bluff if they have missed a draw but believe that their opponent has also missed and can be convinced to fold. Or, a player may bluff if they have a weak hand but are in a good position to represent a strong hand based on the community cards that have been dealt.

Bluffing is a risky move, as it can result in the player losing additional chips if their bluff is called. However, a successful bluff can also earn a player a significant amount of chips and can be an effective tool for keeping opponents off balance and uncertain about the strength of your hand.

Bluff catching is a poker strategy where a player with a marginal hand tries to catch an opponent who is bluffing. This involves calling a bet on the river with a hand that is not particularly strong but has some potential to win the pot. The goal is to catch an opponent who is trying to steal the pot by making a bet with a weaker hand, or to induce them to bluff again in a later hand. Bluff catching requires a good read on the opponent’s betting patterns and the ability to make a well-timed call. It is a high-risk, high-reward strategy that can result in a big win or a big loss depending on the outcome of the hand.

Bluff induce, also known as inducing a bluff, is a poker strategy where a player intentionally plays their hand in a way that encourages their opponent to make a bluff. The goal is to manipulate the opponent’s actions in order to win a larger pot than they would have won otherwise. This involves making smaller bets or checks with a strong hand in order to give the impression that the player has a weaker hand, and hoping that the opponent will take the bait and make a larger bet or raise with a weaker hand. Bluff inducing requires a good read on the opponent’s tendencies and the ability to make a convincing act. It is a risky strategy that can pay off with a big win or result in a big loss if the opponent does not take the bait.

In poker, the term “board” refers to the community cards that are dealt face-up in the center of the table and shared by all players. The board is used by players to make their best possible hand, and it can consist of anywhere from three to five cards depending on the variant of poker being played. The board is an essential part of the game as it determines the strength of each player’s hand and how they can use it to make the best possible combination with their hole cards.

In poker, a “boat” refers to a full house. A full house is a hand that consists of three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. For example, a player holding three kings and two queens would have a “full house” or “boat” of kings over queens. The term “boat” comes from the fact that a full house can resemble a boat with a pair of cards forming the “bottom” and three of a kind forming the “top.” A full house is a strong hand in poker and usually, but not always, beats other hands such as flushes, straights, and two pairs.

In poker, a “bomb pot” is a type of cash game where all players put in a predetermined amount of money before the flop, and the action proceeds normally from there. Essentially, it’s a pot where everyone puts in a larger-than-normal amount of money pre-flop, and then the hand plays out like normal. Bomb pots can be used as a way to add excitement and unpredictability to a cash game, as players may be more willing to take risks when there is a large pot up for grabs. They are also sometimes used as a way to break up a monotonous cash game or inject some action into a slow night of play.

Bottom dealing is a cheating technique in which the dealer deals cards from the bottom of the deck instead of the top. This allows the dealer or a player working in collusion with the dealer to know what card is coming next and can give them an unfair advantage in the game. Bottom dealing is considered to be one of the most serious forms of cheating in poker and is illegal in all forms of the game. Casinos and poker rooms take strong measures to prevent cheating and catch any players who attempt to use such tactics.

In poker, “bottom end” refers to the lowest possible made hand in a particular category. For example, in a high-only game like Texas Hold’em, the bottom end of a made straight would be the lowest possible straight. Similarly, in a low-only game like Omaha Hi-Lo, the bottom end of a low hand would be the hand with the lowest five cards that all have ranks of eight or lower. “Bottom end” is usually used in the context of discussing the strength of a particular hand, with “top end” referring to the highest possible hand in a given category.

In poker, “bottom pair” or “bottom set” refers to having the lowest possible pair or set among the community cards on the board.

For example, if the board is K♣️-7♠️-4♥️-3♦️-2♣️ and a player holds K♦️7♣️, they have “bottom pair” with a pair of sevens. Similarly, if a player holds 4♠️4♣️ and the board is K♥️9♣️4♥️3♦️J♠️, they have “bottom set” with a set of fours.

Bottom pair and bottom set can be vulnerable to higher pairs and sets, so players must use caution when playing them.

In poker, a bounty is a cash prize that is awarded to a player for eliminating another player from the game. Bounties are most commonly found in tournament play, where a portion of the buy-in goes towards the prize pool and a portion goes towards bounties. When a player eliminates another player, they receive the bounty that was placed on the eliminated player. Bounties can add an extra layer of excitement to tournament play, as players have the opportunity to win additional cash prizes beyond the regular tournament payouts.

In poker, “brick” typically refers to a community card (usually the turn or river) that doesn’t improve any player’s hand. In other words, the card is considered useless or unimportant. The term “brick” is often used in the context of a player missing a draw and receiving a brick on the turn or river, meaning they were not able to improve their hand and are unlikely to win the pot. Additionally, a player who is said to have “bricked” a hand means they failed to make any hand of value on the board.

In the context of poker, “brick and mortar” refers to a physical casino or poker room, as opposed to an online poker room. It comes from the fact that physical casinos are typically made of brick and mortar, which distinguishes them from virtual, online casinos. Players who prefer the experience of playing in a physical casino may use the term “brick and mortar” to differentiate from online play.

In some forms of poker, such as Seven Card Stud, Bring In is the required minimum bet made by the player with the lowest-ranking upcard in the first round of betting. It is usually half the size of the lower betting limit for that game. The Bring In is considered an “open” and is counted towards the first round of betting. After the initial betting round, the player with the highest-ranking hand showing begins the action.

In poker, “Broadway” is a slang term used to refer to the highest straight possible on the board. It is also known as a “royal straight” or “ace-high straight,” and consists of the cards A-K-Q-J-10, all of the same suit. For example, if the board shows A-K-Q-J-9, any player holding a 10 in their hand would have a Broadway straight. The term “Broadway” comes from the famous street in New York City, which is often associated with glitz and glamour.

In a poker tournament, the bubble refers to the point in the tournament where only one more player needs to be eliminated before the remaining players will make it into the money.

For example, in a tournament that pays the top 10 players, the bubble is reached when only 11 players remain. At this point, the 11th-place finisher is said to have “bubbled” the tournament and will not receive any payout, while the other remaining players are guaranteed to win at least a minimum payout. The bubble is often considered a crucial and tense moment in a tournament as players will be trying to avoid being eliminated, while others may take advantage of the situation and try to accumulate more chips.

In poker, a bully is a player who uses their large stack size or aggressive play style to intimidate their opponents and force them to make decisions that they would not otherwise make.

The bully may also try to steal pots with bets or raises, knowing that their opponents are reluctant to risk their chips against such a formidable opponent. Bullying can be an effective strategy in certain situations, but it can also backfire if other players are able to read the bully’s tendencies and adjust their play accordingly.

In poker, a burn card, or simply a “burn,” is a card that is removed from play and placed in the discard pile face down before dealing the flop, turn, and river cards. The primary purpose of the burn card is to prevent cheating by ensuring that the top card of the deck is not accidentally exposed during the deal.

Additionally, it can prevent players from gaining information about the next card to be dealt by tracking the sequence of cards during the deal. The burn card is typically not shown to the players and has no bearing on the outcome of the hand.

In poker, the term “busted” is often used to describe a player who has lost all of their chips or has been eliminated from a tournament. When a player is “busted,” they are no longer able to participate in the game or tournament. The term can also refer to a hand that did not improve and ended up losing the pot, or a player who attempted to bluff but was called and lost the hand.

In poker, the button is a marker or a small disc that moves clockwise around the table after each hand, indicating the position of the dealer for the current hand. The player who has the button is said to be “on the button” and typically has the advantage of acting last in each round of betting. The button position is significant in games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha, where the blinds and the betting order change depending on the position of the button.

In poker, buy-in refers to the amount of money required to join a game or tournament. It is the initial amount of money a player must put on the table before they can play. The buy-in can vary depending on the specific game or tournament and can range from a few dollars to thousands of dollars in high-stakes games.

In poker, the term “buy short” refers to the practice of buying in for less than the maximum amount allowed at a particular table. For example, if the maximum buy-in at a table is $200, buying short might mean buying in for only $100 or $150. This strategy is often used by players who want to conserve their bankroll or who prefer to play a more conservative style of poker. However, it can also limit a player’s ability to win big pots, as they may not have enough chips to capitalize on favorable situations.

“Buy the button” is a term in poker that refers to a situation where a player pays an amount of money to sit in the position of the dealer, also known as the “button.” This is usually done in cash games and allows the player to act last on every betting round, giving them a positional advantage. The amount to “buy the button” is typically equal to the amount of the big blind or a multiple of it.

“Buying the pot” in poker means making a bet that is large enough to force all of the other players to fold, thus winning the pot without having to show your hand. This can be a useful strategy when a player has a weak hand but believes that their opponents’ hands are even weaker, or when they want to bluff their way to a win. “Buying the pot” is also sometimes used as a general term for aggressive play, in which a player makes large bets and raises frequently to try to intimidate their opponents and win pots without necessarily having the best hand.